North Carolina Electric Transportation: State of the State March 2021 2

North Carolina Electric Transportation: State of the State

ABOUT PLUG-IN NC

Plug-in NC is a statewide program that has been working since 2011 to establish North Carolina as a leader in electric transportation. Plug-in NC promotes electric driving through education, outreach, consulting and resource development with the help of a collaborative network of member organizations and volunteer ambassadors.

Plug-in NC is guided by a Steering Committee made up of individuals who work in North Carolina’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. The committee keeps the program up to date on EV activities happening across the state and helps connect communities from the mountains to the sea.

Organizations represented on Plug-in NC’s Steering Committee include electric utilities, EV and clean energy advocacy groups, Clean Cities Coalitions, charging station providers, government agencies and more.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

03. WHY ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION?

05. OVERVIEW AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

06. CURRENT REGISTRATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE NUMBERS

08. NORTH CAROLINA’S ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION SUCCESSES

13. GAPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROGRESS

17. CONCLUSION 3

WHY ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION?

In the U.S., transportation accounts for approximately 28 percent of all energy use and 28 percent of greenhouse gas emissions — in 2016, for the first time since the 1970s, it overtook the electric power sector as the country’s top greenhouse gas contributor. As a state, North Carolina sees the same pattern for its carbon dioxide emissions.

The reason? The electric grid and electricity generation have been getting greener, while transportation is still dominated by fossil fuels: Over 90 percent of transportation’s energy use comes from petroleum; less than 1 percent comes from electricity.

Electrifying the transportation sector, therefore, is critical to decarbonizing our society, and it comes with numerous benefits for the U.S. as a whole and North Carolina specifically.

ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH Driving on electricity is significantly cleaner than driving on fossil fuels. An average EV running and charging on North Carolina’s electricity generation mix produces the emissions equivalent to a gasoline vehicle that gets 85 mpg. And this number will only improve — unlike conventional vehicles, EVs get cleaner over time as the grid turns to more sustainable energy sources.

Beyond harming our environment, air pollution caused in part by gasoline An average EV and diesel vehicles is linked to numerous negative outcomes, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, weaker running and charging school performance and productivity, and more. Each year, tens of on North Carolina’s thousands of Americans die from causes attributed to poor air quality. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, communities of electricity generation color, the elderly and children, are particularly affected. mix produces the With no tailpipe emissions and particulates, EVs support a cleaner and emissions equivalent healthier North Carolina. The emissions that are generated — from the to a gasoline vehicle electricity needed for charging — are more localized and easier to control. According to a 2020 report from the American Lung Association, by 2050 that gets 85 mpg. the widespread adoption of EVs in the U.S. could avoid approximately 6,300 premature deaths, 93,000 asthma attacks and 416,000 lost workdays annually, producing savings of $72 billion in health costs. North Carolina specifically could save over $1.6 billion while avoiding 141 premature deaths, nearly 2,400 asthma attacks and over 10,500 lost workdays each year.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The growth of electric transportation can support economic progress in several ways. EVs bring a whole supply chain of new opportunities in a variety of arenas, from research and development to vehicle and charging station manufacturing to electrical contracting and more. 4

At the end of 2019, about 3,000 North Carolinians were employed in the EV At the end sector. The state is already home to manufacturing facilities and companies for medium- and heavy-duty EVs, such as Thomas Built Buses, and in late 2020, British of 2020, EV EV manufacturer Arrival announced that its North American headquarters would drivers in North be in Charlotte. Carolina were In addition to the direct job growth benefits associated with EVs, the technology paying the can indirectly spur the economy as well. For example, charging infrastructure built out across the state can encourage tourism and boost traffic to communities and equivalent of establishments. EV drivers waiting for their vehicle to charge have time to explore $1.10 per gallon local businesses and retailers. of gasoline. COST SAVINGS Electricity prices are lower and more stable than gasoline, so EVs are cheaper — and more financially predictable — to run than conventional modes of transportation. At the end of 2020, EV drivers in North Carolina were paying the equivalent of $1.10 per gallon of gasoline.

EVs are also simpler and have fewer moving parts than fossil-fuel vehicles, meaning there are fewer maintenance requirements. Savings generated from the reduced operating costs can be put back into North Carolina’s neighborhoods — representing another way to support the state’s economic vitality. EVs decrease North

EQUITY Carolina’s reliance With transportation electrification still emerging, there is an opportunity to ensure on oil and use that the distribution of benefits is just and equitable. Low-income communities and communities of color often bear the brunt of transportation pollution, locally generated being located near highways and other major roadways. Planning around and electricity that guaranteeing access to EVs within these communities can promote a future that is cleaner, healthier and more affordable for all. comes from a variety of sources, GRID STABILITY AND OPERATION EVs represent a flexible electric load that electric utilities can harness to benefit including an their operation and the customers they serve. By encouraging EV charging increasing amount during periods of low electricity need, such as overnight, utilities can take advantage of underutilized generation resources and help flatten their demand of renewable curves. These developments can, in turn, put downward pressure on electricity energy. rates for all customers, EV drivers and non-drivers alike.

ENERGY SECURITY Approximately 70 percent of the U.S.’s oil consumption is used for transportation. In North Carolina, that number exceeds 80 percent. The state has no crude oil reserves or production and no petroleum refineries, meaning that it imports the hundreds of millions of barrels of petroleum it consumes each year. EVs decrease this reliance and use locally generated electricity that comes from a variety of sources, including an increasing amount of renewable energy. 5

OVERVIEW AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS SURVEY RESPONDENTS This report provides a look at the state of electric transportation in North Carolina. It uses developments in 2020 and survey- 20% based responses from Plug-in NC’s Steering Committee and other LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES stakeholders in the EV industry to share updates on vehicles and charging infrastructure and discuss North Carolina’s successes and opportunities. 7% HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS The views expressed in this report reflect the aggregated opinions of stakeholders throughout North Carolina rather than individual positions on specific issues. As the managing body of Plug-in 13% NC ELECTRIC UTILITIES NC, Advanced Energy is deeply appreciative of the input from, collaboration between and engagement of all those working to improve electric transportation in the state. 33% NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS The hope with this State of the State is to generate enthusiasm for the inspiring and uplifting work being done while creating momentum to tackle the challenges and fill the gaps that remain. Together, we 14% can work to solidify North Carolina as a leader in the EV industry. STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 13% TECHNOLOGY & The hope with this State of the State is to INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES generate enthusiasm for the inspiring and uplifting work being done while creating momentum to tackle the challenges and fill the gaps that remain. Together, we can work to solidify North Carolina as a leader in the EV industry. 6

NORTH CAROLINA BY THE NUMBERS

24,000 17TH 1,900+ EVs IN THE NATION FOR PUBLIC CHARGING PORTS TOTAL EV SALES

CURRENT REGISTRATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE NUMBERS

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) registration data, there were approximately 24,000 EVs (including both battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) registered in North Carolina at the end of 2020. This figure places the state 17th in the nation in total EV sales and 27th in EVs per 1,000 people.

Based on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), as of January 2021, North Carolina had 837 publicly accessible charging stations with 1,936 individual charging ports. These totals reflect both Level 2 and DC fast charging.

Level 2 charging serves daily driving needs and is often found at retail locations, hospitality accommodations, parks, schools and more, delivering about 25 miles of range per hour. DC fast charging provides a higher rate of charge, adding around 60 to 80 miles in 20 minutes. DC fast charging stations are commonly located at stops along primary travel corridors, like convenience stations, malls and rest areas.

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 DC FAST CHARGE

VOLTAGE: VOLTAGE: VOLTAGE: 120V 1-Phase AC 208V or 240V 1-Phase AC 208V or 480V 3-Phase AC AMPS: AMPS: AMPS: 12-16 Amps 12-80 Amps (Typ. 32) >100 Amps CHARGING LOAD: CHARGING LOAD: CHARGING LOAD: 1.4-1.9 kW 2.5-19.2 kW (Typ. 6.6) 50-350 kW CHARGING TIME: CHARGING TIME: CHARGING TIME: 3-5 Miles per Hour 12-60 Miles per Hour 60-80 Miles in 20 Minutes 7

It should be noted, however, that the overall number of charging stations and ports alone does not paint the entire picture, because not all charging stations are available to all EV drivers. For example, DC fast charging comes in three primary connectors: Combined Charging System (CCS), CHAdeMO and Tesla (for its Superchargers). While adapters are available in some cases, vehicles are designed for one connector. As of January 2021, North Carolina had the following breakdown of DC fast charging connectors:

DC FAST CHARGING BY CONNECTOR TYPE

CHAdeMO

Tesla 68

198 CCS 100

To foster EV adoption in North Carolina, charging infrastructure must be deployed to meet all needs and connector types. Rural and non-urban designated counties also lag in the equitable allocation of charging options, as shown in the map below. While this distribution can be explained by the location of registered EVs in the state, it is important to provide a just and adequate charging ecosystem for all current and future EV drivers. 8

North Carolina Electric Vehicle Registrations & Charging Stations 2020

NORTH CAROLINA’S ELECTRIC TRANSPORTATION SUCCESSES

POLICY Among other broad goals, Executive Order 80, issued by Gov. Roy Cooper in October 2018, sets out for North Carolina to increase its number of registered ZEVs to at least 80,000 and reduce its statewide greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. Executive Order 80 also charged the North Carolina Department of Transportation with crafting a North Carolina ZEV Plan to help guide EV adoption in the state. This plan was EV-Related Goals released in October 2019. of North Carolina’s

Many of the EV stakeholders who responded to our survey named Executive Executive Order 80: Order 80 and the ZEV Plan as some of the state’s biggest successes when it • Increase number of comes to electric transportation. registered ZEVs to at The stakeholder network also pointed to the Multi-State Medium- and least 80,000 by 2025 Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a significant policy accomplishment. Signed in July 2020 by Gov. Cooper, • Reduce statewide the governors of 14 other states and the mayor of the District of Columbia, greenhouse gas the MOU strives to accelerate the market for medium- and heavy-duty EVs, with the signees committing to having 30 percent of medium- and heavy-duty emissions to 40 vehicle sales be zero-emission by 2030 and having 100 percent by 2050. percent below 2005

The transition from diesel to electric fuel for medium- and heavy-duty levels by 2025 vehicles comes with impactful environmental and health benefits as well as long-term savings. In 2020, several transit systems in North Carolina deployed or made commitments to procure electric buses. At least nine systems spanning cities, organizations and universities across the state have added or will soon add the technology to their fleets. These deployments are being further supported with awards from Volkswagen (VW) Settlement funds (see the following page). 9

In December of 2020, North Carolina signaled interest in participating in another multistate collaborative to reduce emissions through transportation electrification, the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). The state joined several others in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast as a participating jurisdiction and will collaborate to further refine the TCI, with an opportunity to opt in later. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia officially committed as signatories on an MOU.

At a local level, the City of Charlotte has made VOLKSWAGEN SETTLEMENT FUNDING promising gains for EV implementation. Through its In November 2017, Gov. Cooper selected the North Strategic Energy Action Plan, Charlotte plans to have Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) its fleet fueled by 100 percent zero-carbon sources by to manage North Carolina’s share — $92 million — of 2030. In October 2020, the Electrification Coalition, a the VW Settlement, an agreement between the auto nonpartisan, nonprofit group promoting policies and manufacturer and the U.S. Department of Justice on actions that facilitate the deployment of EVs, published behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The a case study on the status of Charlotte’s Municipal Fleet NCDEQ is dispersing these funds in phases over the Electrification. next few years.

Our stakeholder network highlighted the VW Settlement funding as another strength for North Carolina.

In July 2020, the NCDEQ announced the awardees for two programs through Phase 1 of the Settlement. Under the ZEV Infrastructure Program, the state will add 33 DC fast charging stations (with 48 total charging ports), primarily along priority highway corridors. Under the Diesel Bus and Vehicle Program, North Carolina will receive six electric school buses and nine electric transit buses.

The request for proposals for a third Phase 1 program focused on Level 2 charging infrastructure was revealed in November 2020, and the NCDEQ began accepting applications in January 2021. This rebate program has approximately $1.15 million in funding available and is open to projects that will help expand the state’s Level 2 charging network.

Details about Phase 2 of North Carolina’s VW Settlement will be unveiled later in 2021. 10

UTILITY INTEREST AND ENGAGEMENT North Carolina’s investor-owned electric utilities, member-owned electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities have recognized the promise and potential of EVs and have taken steps to promote adoption while preparing for the technology’s continued arrival. Our stakeholder network commended this interest and engagement.

In November of 2020, the North Carolina Utilities Commission approved a $25 million Duke Energy EV pilot program — the largest utility EV investment in the Southeast to date. The pilot will allow Duke Energy to install, own and operate up to 160 Level 2 charging stations at public locations, up to 80 Level 2 charging stations at multifamily dwellings and up to 40 DC fast charging stations throughout North Carolina. Furthermore, Duke Energy will encourage the replacement of 30 older diesel school buses by providing funding to help offset the purchase of electric models.

An additional collaborative stakeholder process is currently underway to discuss potential future EV pilot programs.

Also in 2020, Duke Energy committed to converting its entire light-duty fleet of nearly 4,000 vehicles to electric by 2030. It will additionally transition 50 percent of its medium- duty, heavy-duty and off-road vehicles (approximately 6,000 in total) to EVs and other zero- carbon technologies.

North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have been building out a charging network across cooperative-served areas of the state. Through a $1 million investment and VW Settlement funding, they have installed over 50 chargers and are currently adding 20 more. The network will allow EV drivers to visit scenic and tourist attractions throughout North Carolina.

85

95 40 85 40

85 77 40 40

26

40

95

DC Fast Level 2 VW DC Fast

08-21-2020

NORTH CAROLINA’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES RURAL CHARGING NETWORK 11

Furthermore, many cooperatives now offer EV-specific programs to support their members. These include time-of-use electricity rates, rebates for installing home Level 2 charging stations, low-interest loans for EVs and even wind energy renewable energy certificates for EV charging.

One additional cooperative-led effort launched in 2020 to explore EV vehicle-to-grid applications. Roanoke Electric Cooperative is partnering with Fermata Energy as well as Clean Energy Works, Advanced Energy, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center and the Environmental Defense Fund to evaluate additional value streams for EVs. The group is tapping into EV batteries to study their potential for improving the operation of the electric grid and generating savings for electricity consumers.

Although not being pursued in its North Carolina territory, Dominion Energy continued to move forward with its Virginia-based Electric School Bus Pilot Program in 2020 and into 2021. The lessons learned from this initiative will provide input for potential North Carolina developments.

For North Carolina’s municipally owned utilities, five ElectriCities members were awarded VW Settlement funds in 2020 for DC fast charging stations, expanding charging options in Morganton, Lexington, Wilson, Kinston and New Bern.

On a strategic level, ElectriCities has offered matching grants to members to develop a community EV strategic plan. Plans have been created for Apex and Wake Forest, and one for Shelby is in development. These plans evaluate the potential load and revenue impacts of EVs, assess the availability of EVs locally and present program options for the cities to market EVs. 12 STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION, ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH As evidenced by the diversity of representation on Plug-in NC’s Steering Committee, North Carolina is home to many organizations and groups devoted to promoting electric transportation throughout the state, and our EV stakeholder network applauded their collaboration.

The relationships among North Carolina’s electric utilities, government agencies, Clean Cities Coalitions, advocacy groups, charging providers and more have been a tremendous boon for the state’s progress on electric transportation.

Taking a more regional approach, energy efficiency alliances, environmental justice and conservation groups, and other coalitions are supporting, committing to and prioritizing transportation electrification in the state. For example, on behalf of the Energy Foundation, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) convenes an Advocates Table for Transportation Electrification in North Carolina that meets regularly to advance three shared objectives:

1. Support and expand the goals of Executive Order 80 and the state’s ZEV Plan through the implementation of policy and education initiatives 2. Promote procurement and funding mechanisms for EVs and charging infrastructure 3. Promote North Carolina’s leadership in the development of a regional collaborative for electric transportation

The group fosters communication and collaboration around various events, platforms and initiatives among its partners.

Furthermore, in June 2020, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy hosted a virtual Electric Transportation Stakeholder Gathering for North Carolina. This convening focused on emerging transportation priorities and identifying stakeholder-aligned interests for electrified transportation activities. A second gathering, in February 2021, emphasized economic and workforce development opportunities that are explored in the Transportation Electrification in North Carolina report co- produced with Atlas Public Policy. In September 2020, the Electrification Coalition hosted a North Carolina Policy Bootcamp that brought together EV policymakers, industry experts and advocates for a discussion of how to accelerate EV adoption in North Carolina.

Collaboration has also been strong around EV outreach, and this was especially apparent as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many to rethink their approach to EV education. With in-person events limited, webinars and videos became primary avenues for sharing the benefits of electric transportation, and organizations teamed up to grow and reach new audiences.

To name just a few of 2020’s partnerships, Advanced Energy and North Carolina’s Clean Cities Coalitions developed a webinar series on medium- and heavy-duty vehicle electrification; the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s Electrify the South program and Plug In America organized virtual ride-and-drives; the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy also partnered with EVHybridNoire to hold virtual focus groups for Black EV and non- EV drivers around the Triangle; North Carolina’s electric cooperatives hosted awareness events that were attended by various partners; and the Centralina Regional Council and Charlotte City Government collaborated with Oregon-based Forth on virtual ask-an-owner sessions for the Charlotte region.

Numerous groups have also supported an effort to get North Carolina a specialty license plate dedicated to spreading awareness of electric transportation. 13

GAPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROGRESS

ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY The availability of EVs remains limited in North Carolina — just two-thirds of the Stakeholders models in the U.S. EV market can be purchased in the state. Those that are emphasized that available tend to initially cost more than comparable conventional vehicles, despite decreasing battery prices, approaching parity and a growing used market. To it is essential to encourage adoption of and access to the technology, many in our stakeholder consider not just network supported implementing vehicle and charging station incentives, which can take the form of rebates, tax credits, sales tax exemptions and more. how many EVs are on North Carolina’s Stakeholders pointed to direct-sales legislation as another way to stimulate EV access. Offering direct sales would allow auto manufacturers to sell directly to roads but also customers rather than through dealerships, which would support EV makers and give where and in what prospective buyers more opportunities to learn about and test drive vehicles. communities they This topic has been in contention for several years, first surfacing in North Carolina are located. in 2013 when Tesla challenged a bill that would ban the direct sales of EVs to consumers. Since then, Tesla, North Carolina dealership groups and legislatures have agreed to allow six Tesla locations to sell to customers in North Carolina. However, with more EV-centered manufacturers set to introduce EVs in 2021 and beyond, direct-sales limitations are still in place. By supporting this type of initiative, stakeholders argue, consumers will have greater access to the growing EV market.

To further ensure that EVs can do the most good, stakeholders emphasized that it is essential to consider not just how many are on North Carolina’s roads but also where and in what communities they are located. Low-interest loans, such as those offered through ElecTel Cooperative Federal Credit Union for members of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives, can be a highly valuable tool for extending EV access to individuals and geographies throughout the state. Additionally, EV tax credits are commonly cited as an opportunity to expand adoption, as was done in Colorado, for example.

For the other piece of the EV puzzle — charging infrastructure — stakeholders noted a need for expanded public charging station deployment, particularly in more rural parts of our state. The achievements and promise of charging initiatives from North Carolina’s electric utilities and the VW Settlement, as well as direct investments by installers and site hosts, represent significant strides in this area, but additional expansion will be necessary.

In their 2021 report, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Atlas Public Policy revealed that North Carolina sits 17th in the nation in overall DC fast charging deployment and just 37th in DC fast charging deployment per person. When looking at all public charging, DC fast, Level 2 and Level 1, the U.S. Department of Energy found that North Carolina ranked 26th in the number of plugs per person. 14

MARKETING, OUTREACH AND EDUCATION North Carolina ranks Fostering marketing and education continues to be a priority for dispelling EV myths and getting the word out about the benefits 26th in the nation in of electric transportation, our stakeholder network noted. With the terms of the number constraints caused by COVID-19, one of the most effective outreach tools — getting people behind the wheel of an EV through ride-and-drives or of charging plugs per test drives — has been disrupted. This and other in-person efforts should person. rebound moving forward, and the continued adoption across the state will boost awareness by allowing North Carolinians to see the technology more in their day-to-day lives.

However, there remains a need to reach underserved communities and to tailor messaging to specific groups and audiences — dealerships, fleet managers and lawmakers, for example. The wide-ranging benefits of EVs offer different advantages to different entities, and these should be Stakeholders noted highlighted as appropriate. a need for expanded

FURTHER POLICY DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION public charging As noted above, North Carolina received praise for its policy and executive station deployment, achievements. According to the NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s 50 States of Electric Vehicles: 2020 Review and Q4 2020 Report, the particularly in more state took several EV-related actions in 2020. These actions broadly rural parts of our state. comprised studies and investigations, regulation, utility rate design, market development, financial incentives, and state and utility deployment. 15

However, a report from Plug In America ranked North Carolina 22nd in the nation in terms of state-level EV policies, awarding it 32 out of a possible 100 points across the categories of policies supporting EV purchases, policies supporting EV drivers during ownership, policies enabling EV infrastructure, and education and outreach activities. Another study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy — The State Transportation Electrification Scorecard — rated the state 19th for its efforts in six policy areas: EV and charging infrastructure planning and goal setting, incentives for EV deployment, transportation system efficiency, electricity grid optimization, EV equity and transportation electrification outcomes.

Our stakeholder network offered opportunities to do more in the domain of EV policy. (The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Atlas Public Policy have also compiled a list of policy priorities and best-practice examples from across the country, many of which are already under consideration in North Carolina.) For example, it recommended outlining more concrete actions and implementation for meeting the objectives of Executive Order 80. Furthermore, another popular endorsement was for North Carolina to join the California Air Resources Board’s ZEV program, which is part of the Advanced Clean Cars program. The ZEV program seeks to support emissions-reduction goals by requiring that automakers sell an increasing percentage of ZEVs over time, spurring EV availability for consumers. To date, about a dozen states have adopted ZEV regulation.

Other policy-related suggestions included pursuing EV-ready (or make-ready) building codes and promoting EV-first procurement for fleets. EV-ready building codes require that new homes, buildings and parking structures have conduit and wiring in place to support charging infrastructure. Performed upfront, these actions are significantly less expensive and help ensure people have a convenient place to charge while saving them money later. Stakeholders expressed that North Carolina EV drivers, state and local government entities, and business owners would greatly benefit from advancements on this topic.

In January 2020, the International Code Council approved provisions that would add electrical requirements to make new-construction residences EV-ready. However, these building codes are non-binding — states and local municipalities would need to adopt them into law. 16

The City of Atlanta has received national attention for its EV-readiness ordinance, which stipulates that 20 percent of the spaces in new commercial and multifamily parking structures be EV-ready. In addition, all newly constructed residential homes must be equipped with the infrastructure needed (e.g., conduit, wiring, electrical capacity) to support EV charging stations. For more information and guidance on EV-ready building codes, see the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s adoption toolkit.

EV-first policies can help fleets procure light-, medium- and heavy-duty EVs when replacing vehicles. The North Carolina Motor Fleet ZEV Plan — another Executive Order 80-required report developed by the North Carolina Department of Administration — outlined procurement options and strategies to further the use of ZEVs in the state motor fleet. The City of Raleigh also conducted a Transportation Electrification Study in 2019 that provides strategies for municipal fleets and other key local government teams to electrify vehicles. Near-term actions discussed in the report include the following:

• Replace five aging Motor Pool vehicles with EVs • Add low-speed neighborhood EVs to Parking Services fleet • Extend telematics data collection to the entire city fleet to support vehicle replacement decisions • Develop internal communications strategies to build EV literacy among city staff

Stakeholders hope that this study serves as a blueprint for other North Carolina municipalities looking to make strides in transportation electrification. CONCLUSION

2020 brought important developments to North Carolina’s electric transportation industry, particularly in the areas of policy, utility investment and funding. Although significant progress is still needed to meet the goals of Executive Order 80 and solidify the state as a leader in this arena, the state is well equipped to forge ahead thanks to its large and dedicated network of EV advocates.